Essay Instructions: The Rogerian Method of Argumentation
The Rogerian method of argumentation can be useful for solving issues which do not have clear right or wrong sides. This method, developed by Carl Rogers in 1951, is helpful in solving emotional disputes. The theory is that if the other side believes that its side is understood and recognized, that side will be more open to understanding counter points of view. This method shows an openness and respect to the other side, shows a lack of bias towards this other side, but still attempts to persuade this other side to believe a specific, albeit less absolute, claim.
Organization of a Rogerian Argument
The reading suggests that at times an audience may be critical towards a certain point of view about an emotional issue. This possible hostility is important to keep in mind when you are developing your Rogerian argument. To help alleviate this hostility, your textbook mentions that some Rogerian arguments do not explicitly state a claim (thesis) in the opening paragraph. This is true. However, in your Rogerian essay, due at the end of week seven, please make sure to have a thesis statement ? a claim ? at the bottom of your introduction. The claim may be less absolute than your Toulmin essay's claim; however, you still must make some sort of claim about a two-sided issue in your Rogerian essay.
Please make sure to read the ?Organization? section carefully in your textbook this week. This section shows you how a Rogerian argument is typically formed. The chapter gives an example of a Rogerian argument, which will further help you understand this method of argumentation. The ?Show Understanding and Value of Opposing Views? explains the importance of recognizing the other side, without bias. In your discussion of the opposing views in your Rogerian essay, you could also point out shared values, as your textbook suggests. Your textbook also brings up a great point in the ?Assert Position? section. Make sure to keep in mind while writing your essay that your goal is not to ?win? ? your goal is to persuade the other side through negotiation.
Creating your Rogerian Proposal This Week
This week you will create a Rogerian proposal. When considering topics, keep in mind the overused topics from the Rogerian essay assignment directions. Also, it is best to choose a topic that has two sides. Remember, you are creating a persuasive argument. You are not writing an informative essay. Make sure that you have a claim, but also be sure that you are able to show both sides to this issue in your essay. It?s best to choose a topic with which reasonable people could disagree.
Persuasive American Speeches Discussion
This week, you will discuss historic American speeches. This discussion should be review. You will be utilizing some of the important argumentative terms we have used during this semester. Please feel free to review past lessons/readings to help you write your discussion forum posts.
Rogerian Assignment Instructions
Please note that the following is the assignment directions for the Rogerian essay, due during week seven.
Instructions: Please carefully read the following assignment details in its entirety. There are many components to this particular assignment, and each component is graded.
This essay should be between 900 and 1000 words. It must include an annotated bibliography.
First, you will choose a topic of interest that has at least two opposing sides (please do not reuse your Toulmin essay topic). Then, you need to research that topic in order to specify the topic?s scope, so it can be easily discussed in 1000 word essay.
The following overused topics may not be used in your essay:
gun control,
abortion,
capital punishment,
gay marriage,
gays in the military,
mandatory drug testing,
euthanasia,
childhood obesity,
women in the military,
diets (including the Palio diet),
workout regiments (including CrossFit),
underage drinking,
and the legalization of marijuana.
This essay must include a minimum of five sources. Three should peer-reviewed sources, preferably from the APUS databases. You may use eBooks; however, as discussed in your textbook, books generally are not as current as peer-reviewed articles. You may also use primary sources (interviews, statistics, etc); however, these primary sources should be obtained from experts within that field. If you cannot find strong sources for your chosen topic, then change your topic. If you have a question about the validity of a source, please email me, or post your question to the open forum.
Make sure to include the following sections in your essay:
an introduction and claim,
background,
body,
and a conclusion.
Within the body of your essay, make sure to include the following in any order:
The background for your chosen topic,
the opposition - use an academic tone, and do not show bias,
the strengths and weaknesses of your opponents claim,
scholarly research,
your claim -- use an academic tone, and do not show bias,
discuss the warrants for your claim and the opposition in order to find the common ground,
and show the common ground between your opponents claim and your claim.
After you have written your essay, please make sure to revise the content of your essay. Lastly, be sure to edit your essay by checking grammar, format, and smaller technical details. Please make sure your essay is written in third person.
The Annotated Bibliography
An annotated Bibliography (AB) is due with your Toulmin essay. Using the MLA guide, list each source as it will appear on the Works Cited page of your essay. In two to three sentences summarize the text. I will be checking for grammar as well. This is what makes it an ?annotated? bibliography. A sample is shown below.
Annotated Bibliography (Centered)
Clark, Irene L. The Genre of Argument. Fort Worth, TX: Harcourt Brace, 1998. Print.
Clark's textbook identifies the major steps to developing a well-researched and well-written argumentative essay. Professional essays are included in the text as models.
Ward, Russ. Logical Argument in the Research Paper. Fort Worth, TX: Harcourt Brace, 1997. Print.
Augmenting the steps to writing an argumentative research paper is information about proper documentation. The Toulmin System, an important aspect of a well-planned paper, should be studied carefully.